Chicago Cubs linked to absolutely absurd $172 million trade

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Chicago Cubs linked to absolutely absurd $172 million trade

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Jun 19, 2026 10:14 AM ET

The Chicago Cubs may finally be waking up from their slumber, as they have won back-to-back series and have a cup of very winnable series ahead of them before a showdown with the Milwaukee Brewers next weekend.

Perhaps that means the Cubs will actually become buyers at the MLB trade deadline rather than sellers, because the latter was looking like a serious possibility based on how poorly the team had been performing for the last month-plus.

Chicago needs help all over its roster, but its primary area of concern is the starting rotation, which has been among baseball’s worst this season. The Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins over the winter to help solidify their staff, but it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

Jed Hoyer needs to try and acquire at least one significant arm before Aug. 3, and many names have already been floated as possibilities for Chicago. But earlier this week, one absurd target was mentioned for the Cubbies, and it’s one Hoyer shouldn’t even be considering.

Chicago Cubs linked to Aaron Nola trade

Jun 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) throws a pitch during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Seiya Suzuki is a name who has been touted as a potential trade candidate for the Cubs, but that’s only if Chicago continues to slide before the deadline. If the Cubs are winning games, moving Suzuki probably won’t even be a thought.

That’s what makes Chicago sports journalist George Ofman’s suggestion so ridiculous, as he proposed a one-for-one swap of Suzuki to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for struggling right-hander Aaron Nola.

There was a time when Nola was one of the better pitchers in baseball, which is why the Phillies signed him to a seven-year, $172 million extension in November 2023. However, the last couple of seasons have been nothing short of an unmitigated disaster for the 33-year-old.

Nola pitched to the tune of a 6.01 ERA in 17 starts last season, and thus far in 2026, he has logged a 5.86 ERA and 1.472 WHIP. He is making $24.6 million each year through 2030, making his contract one of the worst for any pitcher in the bigs.

The chances of the Cubs actually moving Suzuki for Nola are less than zero. And to be quite frank, I’m not sure Chicago would take Nola for free at this point.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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